(State of West Virginia)

General Information:

Location:Southeastern United States
Capital: Charleston
Language(s): English
Population: 1,923,564
Total Area: 62,755 sq km
Curious Alcohol Fact: Moonshine is the local favorite
Most Popular Drink(s): Moonshine, beers
Nickname(s): The PanhandleState, The MountainState
What You Must Do in West Virginia: Explore the caves

West Virginia Travel Video

The State

Admitted into the Union in the year 1863 as the 35th state, West Virginia was once a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia but split during the American Civil War. Positioned in the center of the Appalachians, the state is rugged and mountainous, earning it the nickname ‘Mountain State.’

The state’s mountainous character is reflected in its motto: Montani semper liberi, translated to mean ‘Mountaineers are always free.’ Despite its natural mountainous features, West Virginia is one of the smallest states in the country. Virginia and Maryland border it to the east, while Pennsylvania lies to the north.

To the southwest, the state shares its border with Kentucky, and Ohio lies to its northwest. West Virginia holds the unique distinction of being the only state established as a result of breaking away from the Confederacy. Charleston, the largest city in the state, also serves as its capital. With a humid subtropical climate, the state experiences mild winters and humid, hot summers.

The People

As in other states in America, the predominant ethnic group in the state is Whites, constituting over 95% of the population. The majority of these Whites trace their roots to English, Irish, German, and Italian ancestries. Other ethnic groups in the country encompass Blacks (African Americans), Native Americans (or American Indians), Native Hawaiians (and other Pacific Islanders), and Asians.

Moreover, in terms of religion, the state aligns with other states, with Christianity being the major religion. The largest denomination comprises Protestants, especially the Methodists and Baptists.

Eating in West Virginia

For some good Appalachian-styled meals, West Virginia should be your next holiday destination. Local dishes include pinto beans, sausage, fried chicken and mashed potatoes. In addition to this, some other dishes are considered delicacies. A notable example is the pepperoni roll, which serves as a casual snack enjoyed with friends on a cool afternoon. Some rolls even contain bits of cheese and are widely available, being both accessible and affordable. For those interested in dairy products, servings of Swiss cheese are common, and in many homes in the state, apple butter is always a delightful component of meals. Furthermore, you may also have the opportunity to savor some roasted game, as wild animals are hunted and enjoyed in the Panhandle State.

Drinking in West Virginia

Similar to many other states in the country, West Virginia boasts wineries and numerous breweries. The wines and beers produced in the state are renowned for their quality, ranking among the finest in the country. Soft drinks, as well as dairy products such as milk, cream, and yogurt, are readily available at many stores throughout the state. However, I observed that the local favorite liquor is moonshine, and I strongly recommend trying this distinctive drink – especially under the moonlight!

Sports in West Virginia

For the lovers of sports and all sorts of physical activities, West Virginia is the place to be. The most popular sports in the state include football (indoor and outdoor), baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

Interesting Things About West Virginia

The state has two panhandles.
Alongside Nevada, West Virginia is the only state founded while the American Civil War was being fought.
The state is also unique in the sense that it is the only one in the Union to break away from the Confederacy during the Civil War when it split from Virginia.

West Virginia souvenirs

West Virginia, with its multitude of iconic symbols and landmarks, has always been and remains one of the most popular places to purchase souvenirs. However, among the many options of West Virginia-themed souvenirs, shot glasses are considered particularly and intriguing items for collecting or gifting.

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Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).